CHW.L Regulatory News (CHW)

23 Apr 2008 07:00

Chime Communications PLC23 April 2008 23rd April 2008 CHIME COMMUNICATIONS PLC FIRST QUARTER 2008 INTERIM MANAGEMENT STATEMENT Chime Communications plc, the leading marketing services group, is todaypublishing its Interim Management Statement relating to the first quarter of thefinancial year ending 31st December 2008. Operating income for the first quarter of 2008 was 29% higher than the firstquarter of 2007 with double digit growth in each of our three divisions. Margin levels have been maintained and the Group has achieved approximately 25%of its operating profit target for the year in the first quarter compared tounder 20% in previous years. The tight cost control structure that was put inplace in the second half of 2007 has continued and the proportion of costs thatare variable has increased. The Group's financial position continues to be strong and there have been nomaterial events or transactions affecting the Group. New clients already won in 2008 include: Artumus Group Johnson & JohnsonA.T. Kearney Land SecuritiesBebo National GridBritish Basketball School Food TrustBritish Chicken Marketing TescoCouncilBritish Council Thames WaterBUPA TiscaliCharles Russell The Government's campaign for AlcoholDonovan Data Systems Harm ReductionHiscox The London Organising Committee of theInternational Finance Olympic Games and the Paralympic GamesCorporation, Washington DC (LOCOG) Zabeel Properties Commenting on the first quarter Lord Bell, Chairman, said: "Our terrific performance in 2007 has continued into 2008. We believe our firstquarter performance and our strategy of bearing down on fixed costs has put usin a strong position to meet our full year expectations even if the predictedslow down does occur in the second half of the year". - ends - For further information please contact: Lord Bell, Chairman 020 7861 8515Chime Communications Christopher Satterthwaite, Chief Executive 020 7861 8515Chime Communications Mike Davies/Chris Hamilton 020 7861 3232Bell Pottinger Corporate & Financial Notes to Editors About Chime • Chime Communications plc is the holding company for a number of leading public relations, marketing services and research consultancy firms. • The Chime Group consists of one of the UK's leading public relations groups, Bell Pottinger; a research and consultation business, Opinion Leader; VCCP, one of the fastest growing advertising and marketing services groups in the UK and Fast Track, the UK's leading Sports Marketing Agency. • The Chime Group helps clients create, manage, monitor and market their businesses, brands and reputations both in the UK and internationally. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange